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LICIA Newsletter |
Entry into the City!
RE: Support of the Transportation Enhancement Grant for Davie Boulevard.
Dear Mayor Naugle:
First, on behalf of the residents of Lauderdale Isles I would like to thank you
and the City Commission for welcoming us into the City of Ft. Lauderdale. Our
community looks forward to a long and vigorous relationship with the City.
One of our major areas of concern is the Davie Boulevard corridor. We know that
the Florida Department of Transportation has plans to shift several lanes of
traffic to make it safer for motorists entering and exiting various retail areas but may
not have given enough thought to landscaping and medians. Hopefully, the
Transportation Enhancement Grant will help the City of Ft. Lauderdale remedy
this oversight. The citizens of Lauderdale Isles fully support the City of Ft.
Lauderdale pursuing this important grant. If we can be of any further assistance
please do not hesitate to contact us.
RE: Repairs to Fire Station # 47 on SW 27th Avenue.
Dear Vice Mayor Cindi Hutchinson:
On behalf of the residents of Lauderdale Isles I would urge you to do everything
in your power to expedite the repairs that are planned for Fire Station # 47.
Many of our residents voted to join Ft. Lauderdale because of the close proximity of Fire Station # 47
to our neighborhood. Additional personnel and equipment will
be housed in the
fire station and it is imperative that working conditions be safe and hospitable and that
there be room for the additional equipment promised. As the City of Ft.
Lauderdale moves forward fixing various fire stations it is our hope that the repairs planned for
Fire Station # 47 will be given a very high priority. Thank you for your
consideration of this important matter.
Subject: Open Space Greenway on State Rd. 7 and Riverland Rd.
Dear Mayor Naugle:
First, on behalf of the residents of Lauderdale Isles I would like to thank you
and the City Commission for passing a resolution approving an open space
greenway on the southeast corner on State Rd. 7 and Riverland Road. On August 14th the Broward
County Commission will approve the resolution as part of their consent agenda.
It is the hope of our citizens that you will prioritize this parcel of land and
make it the #1 purchase for the southwest area. It has long been the desire of
our residents to link a greenway extending from Riverland Woods Park (soon to be constructed) to this possible
open space parcel. This would certainly compliment the beautiful new Civic
Peoples Park that was constructed last year and is so well used by the community.
To balance preserving greenspace with new development is a delicate task and one
of the primary responsibilities of the City Commission. In the past, a least two
developers have withdrawn commercial development of this parcel. This property lacks the
desirability for business development because of the limited safe access to the
parcel due to the construction of I595 and the 441-north ramp With this in mind, we hope you will
endorse the idea of having the Riverland Road entrance into Ft. Lauderdale a
greenspace by purchasing the “Riverland Crossings” parcel and making it your #1
priority for all the southwest area residents.
Airport Expansion Vote
Forwarded Memo from Kristin Jacobs
Greetings,
The Broward County Commission has scheduled an Aviation Board workshop on the
proposed airport expansion and south runway project for Monday, September 9th at
7:00PM in Room 422 of the Broward County Governmental Center.
In addition, the County Commission has scheduled a public hearing and vote on
the airport expansion for Tuesday, September 24th at 2:00PM, also in the County
Commission Chamber. This is your chance to share your opinion. I invite you all
to attend. I look forward to seeing all of you there!
-Kristin
Kristin D. Jacobs
Broward County Commissioner, District 2
in response: to Cindi Hutchinson, Kristin Jacobs, Josephus Eggelletion, Jr.,
Rep.Christopher Smith, and Mayor Naugle
We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss the
effects of the airport expansion on our neighborhood, our community, and our
investments and careers by welcoming you to a casual gathering at the Lauderdale
Isles Yacht and Tennis Club 2637 Whale Harbor Lane Fort Lauderdale, Florida
33312 954 583-7422 on Thursday, September 19th from 5:30-7 pm. Our regularly
scheduled General Association Meeting for the Lauderdale Isles Civic Association
is immediately following at 7pm at the club, and this would additionally give
you the opportunity to meet many of our neighbors and association members as
well as the chance to communicate directly with us on any other issues pending.
We very much welcome and look forward to
the opportunity to meet with you directly.
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Behind the Scenes
with Joan Sheridan
Welcome to Ft Lauderdale Celebration
Please be aware that the welcome celebration for Riverland and Melrose
communities has been moved up a week to Saturday, Sept. 21 from 1-5 p.m. The
celebration will take place at Melrose Community Park, located at 3400 Davie Boulevard. It would be
nice if we had a good turn out from Lauderdale Isles.
Riverland Woods Park Update
from Robert Wright, Superintendent Planning and Design for Broward County Parks
and Recreation Division
Staff has submitted the final construction plans to several local, state and
federal agencies for review and approval. Once approvals have been obtained the
contract will be placed out to bid. The landscape design was reviewed for a tree
trust grant and awarded the maximum amount of $50,000. Although the review
process is taking longer than anticipated, staff still believes that the project
can be completed as scheduled.
TO COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES:
Since the Riverlands Area will officially be in the City of Fort Lauderdale on
September 15, 2002, I will no longer be allowed to serve on the Municipal
Services Advisory Board for Broward County. At this time, I want to take the
opportunity to let you know that it has been an honor and a privilege serving
the unincorporated residents of District 7 and the Board of County Commissioners
on this board since 1997. On September 9th, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. the Board of
County Commissioners will award me with a proclamation for my service to
community. As a very active civic leader I look forward to continuing to serve
my community and making a difference in the quality of life for all our
residents. Sincerely,
Joan C. Sheridan,
Municipal Services Advisory Board
FPL Initiative
Florida Power & Light (FPL) has undertaken a community and pubic information
initiative and has retained the Adams Consulting Group, Inc. to assist in this
effort. FPL recently presented its five-year expansion plan to the City of Fort
Lauderdale. This plan was developed to address the needs of the residents of the
City of Fort Lauderdale over the next five years. To provide the level of
reliable services that its customers require, it is essential for FPL to
implement the first phase of this plan by June 2003. Included in its plan, FPL
has proposed to build a new substation (Powerline) located ¼ mile south of
Cypress Creek Road (62nd Street), between Powerline Road and I-95. This site,
which is in the middle of commercial and industrial uses, was part of the
Tri-Rail parcel. Since April 2002, FPL has worked with the Citizens Advisory
Committee, recently appointed by the City of Fort Lauderdale Commission to
address FPL issues that affect the public. Together, FPL and the Citizens
Advisory Committee have developed improved standards for new and existing
facilities. This new station is in keeping with those standards, to make FPL
facilities more compatible with the venues in which they are located. We believe
that it is important to keep the public informed about these important plans. We
would be pleased to meet with you and your Homeowners or Civic Association to
share the rendering of the “Powerline Substation” at your convenience. I
understand that you meet on the third Monday of each month. Ms. Adams is out of
town, however, we would like to know if she can be placed on your calendar for
your September 16th meeting. Also, I am still working on getting you the
locations of all the substations that affect your area. If you have any
questions please do not hesitate to call me at the number listed below. Thank
you for your assistance.
Maureen LeBert
Your Virtual Administrator
Dear Maureen LeBert,
I would be happy to put Ms. Adams on the agenda for our next Southwest Coalition
meeting on September 16th, 2002. I feel this issue is important and the
information should be shared with our community representatives and their
residents. Our meetings are held at the West Lauderdale Baptist Church, 3601
Davie Blvd., Fort Lauderdale at 7:30 p.m. Please let me know how much time you
will need to present this information.
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Teen’s Take
Neighborhood Teenagers have requested to be included in our publication with
regular articles from their perspective.
An Enlightening Experience
By Robin Allemand
“Feel yourself floating… as you breath in… out… now watch that same breath… as
it curves its passage through your body.” When one goes to a fitness center or
gym, he expects to come out of the facility enhanced or ameliorated in the area
of strength. Recently, I received the chance to participate in a yoga class—the
quote above is during a class from the instructor—and I have attended every
class I could make since. Yoga is one of the best exercises of spirit and body
that one can savor. Yoga provides a terrific sense of calmness over a person’s
spirit as they go through the class. At the beginning of the experience, one
enters into the class very tense, sleepy, and uneasy from work’s troubles. To
begin the easing process, the instructor initiates an ambience that immediately
makes one forget his worries with relaxing music and incense candles. Next, the
class begins with slow, controlled movements that provide for an excellent
starting block for beginners and professionals alike. This is one of the
greatest differences in yoga from any other class: one could be in a room full
of intermediates, while he is a beginner, and still get the workout he needs. As
the class progresses, each stretch gets prolonged and gradually becomes more
difficult until the instructor has called to one’s attention one’s ability to do
movements that could have never been attained at the commencement of the class.
Finally, when time gets on the short side, a period of about ten minutes is held
for utmost repose until one is awaken out of that state of serenity, and the
class ends. From my recollection of a yoga class, anyone can see that yoga is a
harmless, innovative way to be at harmony with your mind and body. This writer
recommends that anyone who has not tried yoga, go out and do it now.
Addicted to Fun
By Brendon Boutin
Early signs of addiction: blank stare, slurred speech, disinterest in life. Far
too many young people today are letting themselves become obsessed with video
games. New trends come and go, but video games have been every kid’s favorite
toy since the days of Pong. Getting lost for hours in your own little virtual
world is very fun, I’ll admit, but like anything, it should be used in
moderation. The other day, my brother and some friends of his were in his room,
playing some video games. It was my job to inform them that lunch was ready.
Walking into that room was like walking into another universe: a universe where
everything centered around a screen. I told them that lunch was ready, but at
first got no reply. I stood my ground for a few seconds, before repeating,
loudly, “Lunch is ready!”
Potential Strike Haunts Baseball
Fans
By Adam Cerny
Baseball, America’s National Pastime is one of the most loved games; however, it
may suffer a gigantic setback. On August 16, the Major League Baseball Players
Association set a strike date for August 30. Players and owners are basically
debating over money issues, and as greed grows on both sides, it becomes harder
for a deal to reach. The players set the strike date to force a sense of urgency
on the owners; otherwise they would strike August 30, likely putting an end to
the current season and playoffs. The most recent work stoppage was the 1994
strike, where players and owners couldn’t agree on a salary cap, and the last 2
months of the regular season, as well as the playoffs, were canceled. Many fans
still haven’t forgiven Major League Baseball and never came back to watching it.
One fan, who speaks for all, is President Bush. “The baseball owners and the
baseball players must understand that if there is a stoppage, a work stoppage, a
lot of fans are going to be furious, and I’m one of them,” Bush said. President
Bush also stated, “It’s very important for these people to get together.” As a
former owner of the Texas Rangers, Bush knows what it is like dealing with a
potential strike. Bush concluded with, “They can make every excuse in the book
not to reach an accord; it is bad for them not to reach an accord.” Whatever
happens, baseball fans may always love the game, but interest for professional
baseball will never be the same. This time basically debating over money issues,
and as greed grows on both sides, it becomes harder for a deal to reach. The
players set the strike date to force a sense of urgency on the owners; otherwise
they would strike August 30, likely putting an end to the current season and
playoffs. The most recent work stoppage was the 1994 strike where players and
owners couldn’t agree on a salary cap, and the last 2 months of the regular
season, as well as the playoffs, were canceled. Many fans still haven’t forgiven
Major League Baseball and never came back to watching it. One fan, who speaks
for all, is President Bush. “The baseball owners and the baseball players must
understand that if there is a stoppage, a work stoppage, a lot of fans are going
to be furious, and I’m one of them,” Bush said. President Bush also stated,
“It’s very important for these people to get together.” As a former owner of the
Texas Rangers, Bush knows what it is like dealing with a potential strike. Bush
concluded with, “They can make every excuse in the book not to reach an accord;
it is bad for them not to reach an accord.” Whatever happens, baseball fans may
always love the game, but interest for professional baseball will never be the
same.
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GENERAL MEETING
Please be sure to attend the LICIA General Meeting on Thursday, September 19 at
7P.M.
There is certainly a lot of old news to catch up on, and quite a bit of new
things to address as we prepare to roll into the city of Fort Lauderdale! We
expect another strong turnout for this meeting, so plan to carpool and arrive
early.
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Tri-Rail Project
by Mark Pistiner, Tri-Rail Project Coordinator The New River Bridge project has
been advertised for bid. Tri-Rail is bidding the project using a 2-step
design-build procurement process. Step 1 submittals have been received from 7
bidders. We anticipate opening the actual bid results in October 2002. We have
also addressed the noise, safety and aesthetic concerns raised by the local
community. We have informed them, as well as Vice-Mayor Hutchinson that we are
adding a barrier wall to the west side of the bridge structure. The barrier
should reduce noise generated by the train as well as providing a safety barrier
from debris falling. The wall will also serve as a visual barrier. We are also
requiring the use of continuously welded rail, ballast rock and no driven piles
will be allowed in order to minimize noise and vibration effects.
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Former Isles Treasurer-Volunteer Dies
Q.Can somebody please tell me what the annexation agreement will
say about the grandfathering of improvements to the property being annexed?
A.Nothing has been finalized yet. We are still optimistic that all that will be
needed is an inspection and approval from a general contractor that all
modifications met the County code at the time the improvements were made. The
City has stated that they will work with us on this issue and the “SAVE OUR
HOMES” initiative..... As we move forward I believe the City of Ft. Lauderdale
will hold additional meetings with the community.
Q.Do you know what the status of the water mains is are they going to complete
them or is the project dead.
A.The project is not dead but has been delayed. The City of Ft. Lauderdale is
currently negotiating with Broward County as to infrastructure improvements in
the Isles. There is a strong probability that after the annexation agreement is
finalized we will have a better idea of what the schedule will be for the water
main replacement. We asked that City crews do the remaining Isles instead of a
contractor...... that has not been finalized either. I don’t look for anything
to happen until 2003.
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City of Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire Appreciation Day 2002
THIS IS GOOD INFORMATION I JUST RECEIVED FROM A FRIEND THAT
WORKS FOR SUNRISE POLICE DEPARTMENT. PLEASE PASS THIS TO FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND
LOVED ONES. LET’S KEEP TEMPTATION AWAY FROM THE SICK PEOPLE OUT THERE. THANKS
PAT MAYERS, PRESIDENT
CITIZENS CRIME ALERT OF FORT
LAUDERDALE INC.,
DEAR ABBY: I would like to warn women, especially young women, about the danger
of giving their car keys, with their house keys attached, to anyone. A good
friend’s daughter went to a well-known tire company to have a flat repaired
while she waited. Without thinking, she handed her key ring with all her keys on
it to the serviceman and waited. What she didn’t know is that most of these
places also have machines that make copies of keys. One of the servicemen copied
her apartment key, and two days later entered her apartment late at night and
raped her. This was a business she frequented, and they had all the information
in their computer about where she lived, her phone number, etc. The man was
caught months later and the police found out that he had done this before. He is
now in jail, and my friend’s daughter is trying to go on with her life. I called
my daughter right away and told her this story so she could learn from it, too.
Please, Abby, warn your readers to have their personal keys on another key ring
or have a key ring that separates the car keys from one’s personal keys. Perhaps
this will save another woman from tragedy.
MARILYN IN MARIETTA, GA.
DEAR MARILYN: You may never know how many tragedies you have prevented today.
Your letter is a chilling reminder, and I hope my readers will heed it. “PLEASE
SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT!!!!
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McDonald’s Looks to Cut Some Fat
By Liz Austin
CHICAGO (AP) - McDonald’s plans to use a new cooking oil for french fries and
other fried foods that it says will do less damage to your diet. Nutritionists
call the fast food giant’s effort to reduce trans fatty acids a good first step
but say the change doesn’t make french fries a health food. “They’re still
french fries, and they’re still high in fat,” said Kathleen Zelman, a registered
dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. “But if people
are going to eat them anyway, we can at least reduce the saturates which are
artery-clogging.” The Oak Brook-based company says the new oil will halve the
trans fatty acid levels in its french fries while increasing the amount of the
more beneficial polyunsaturated fat. Trans fatty acids increase the body’s
levels of bad cholesterol while simultaneously reducing its levels of good
cholesterol, said Dr. Meir Stampfer, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at
Harvard School of Public Health. Reducing the amounts of artery-clogging trans
fatty acid levels in fast food allows people to painlessly lower their risk of
heart disease, Stampfer said. “People don’t have to change their habits, they
don’t have to exert willpower; without doing anything they would be eating a
healthier diet,” he said. McDonald’s worked with its longtime supplier Cargill
to develop the new oil, which a few restaurants will begin using in October. All
13,000 domestic restaurants will use the oil by February. Company executives say
McDonald’s is the first national fast-food chain to set a goal of eliminating
trans fatty acids in oil. Stampfer said he hopes McDonald’s — and other fast
food chains — eventually reach that goal. “If we can get rid of trans fat in the
diet, we could prevent thousands of heart attacks every year,” he said. Phil
Sokolof, president of the National Heart Savers Association, said McDonald’s
announcement would give consumers a false sense of security when eating fast
food. “French fries are still one of the worst foods for raising cholesterol
level,” Sokolof said. The move comes about a month after a man sued McDonald’s
and three other fast food chains in July, claiming their food made him obese.
The 56-year old man weighs 272 pounds, had heart attacks in 1996 and 1999 and
has diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He said he ate fast food
for decades, believing it was good for him until his doctor cautioned him
otherwise. McDonald’s spokesman Walt Riker said the oil switch had been in the
works for years and was unrelated to legal actions. Riker said the french fries
will still contain beef flavoring, as they have for many years. Vegetarian
groups sued the company last year for using the flavoring while claiming its
fries were vegetarian. The company in May agreed to pay $10 million to
organizations that support vegetarianism and $2.4 million in legal fees.